"Nico. I should have been sooner; but Lubin would stay to make himself fine—though he knows that he has no chance of appearing so to Malvina.
"Lubin. No, in truth—Nico says right—I have no more chance than himself.
"Osc. However, I am glad to see you reconciled, and that you live together, as brothers should do.
"Nico. Yes, ever since we found your daughter cared for neither of us, we grew to care for one another. There is a fellowship in adversity that is consoling; and it is something to think that Lubin is as unfortunate as myself.
"Lub. Yes, we are well matched—I think Malvina dislikes him, if possible, more than me, and that's a great comfort.
"Nico. We often sit together, and play such woeful tunes on our pipes, that the very sheep are moved at it.
"Osc. But why don't you rouse yourselves, and, since you can meet with no requital of your passion, return the proud maid scorn for scorn?
"Nico. Oh mercy, no—we find a great comfort in our sorrow—don't we, Lubin?
"Lubin. Yes, if I meet no crosses, I shall be undone in another twelve-month—I let all go to wreck and ruin.
"Osc. But suppose Malvina should be brought to give you encouragement.